If the Raps don't win this game against Golden State, (a distinct possibility, especially given how poorly they are known to do on back to backs, and their problems with quick trigger-happy guards - UPDATE: THEY DID NOT WIN) then Toronto may have to come in and clinch this thing against Detroit or New York. Given also that the Raps have no homestand, and will be travelling to a new city after each game, there is potential for disaster.

Chicago has a very similar schedule to the Raps. Tonight they managed to defeat the Bobcats, which makes things easier on them. Milwaukee is without Andrew Bogut. Also, take into consideration that they are playing Boston and Charlotte in the last two games of the year. At that point, all the seedings very well could be locked in and they might just decide to rest their starters, making it as if they were playing non-playoff teams.

Believe me, if the Raps falter at all, you can bet your ass that Chicago will be running over them on their way to the playoffs.

Chicago -- one elite opponent, one very good opponent, one solid opponent and two poor-to-very poor opponents + the head-to-head with Toronto

Toronto -- one elite opponent, two very good opponents, three poor-to-very poor opponents + the head-to-head with Chicago

Chicago got lucky with the Andrew Bogut injury. That has eased their schedule considerably.

Yeah, I would agree -- following the Bogut injury + Phoenix Suns game (two difficult opponents out of the way) -- Chicago's schedule is not noticeably tougher than the Raptors ... hell, it's slightly easier. One less game plus one lesser above average opponent.

However, the Bulls have a lot of ground to make up so the slight schedule advantage doesn't change the likely outcome.

Impressive and even a bit scary how tenacious the Bulls are going at each game. I’m sure the Raptors are noticing. They could learn something by watching how they’ve been playing.

Honestly, if we don't get the 7th seed, for me making the 8th seed or not making the playoffs will not differ that much. I just want us to embarrassed in the playoffs by the sweep. I honestly think that Orlando is the best team we can face from the top 4 seeds. I also think catching the Bobcats will not be that hard, but we need our stupid coach to start coaching properly.... I swear we would have had at least 5 more wins if we had a half decent coach...

I think the Raptors will make it, but there's something to be said about the aggression with which Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah and the Bulls are playing. I saw the game against Charlotte last night and there's not quit in them, the Raptors will have to win the games they're "supposed to win". Like GSW, Detroit and Knicks.

Well, i foresee problems for this Raptors ball club in the homestretch. Chicago is tenacious and has all their players back.

Why Triano stubbornly refuses to play his best defenders when we can't get stops, I don't know. Why he won't consent that Bargnani doesn't alway play "big" on offence, so we may as well have a mobile defender out there to guard those quick guys GSW has.

Chicago rises and beats a team ahead of them in the hunt for the playoffs, 6 games left healthy, hungry and tenacious. Contrast that to the Raptors who lose to a team with 50+ loses, with 6 games left they are playing their worst ball of the season and Triano continues to confound by riding shit players.

Chicago -- one elite opponent, one very good opponent, one solid opponent and two poor-to-very poor opponents + the head-to-head with Toronto

Toronto -- one elite opponent, two very good opponents, three poor-to-very poor opponents + the head-to-head with Chicago

Chicago got lucky with the Andrew Bogut injury. That has eased their schedule considerably.

Yeah, I would agree -- following the Bogut injury + Phoenix Suns game (two difficult opponents out of the way) -- Chicago's schedule is not noticeably tougher than the Raptors ... hell, it's slightly easier. One less game plus one lesser above average opponent.

However, the Bulls have a lot of ground to make up so the slight schedule advantage doesn't change the likely outcome.

plus, team chemistry with guys poppin in and out with injuries, milwaukee may fall down a spot or two with bogut out and having to re-do chemistry.

Chicago has two very difficult games against a very good and an elite opponent in the Cavs and Celtics. It looks like Boston will be fighting for third place with Atlanta so they're unlikely to rest any of their players. Both are probable losses. Chicago has a game against NJ which should be a comfortable win. Then the Raptors which also should be a win since Bosh is out otherwise I'd fancy the Raptors chances. And finally, the Bobcats, in Charlotte, last game of the season which could go either way. Slight edge to the Bobcats but it's close. So they're likely to finish the season with a 3-2 or 2-3 record. That leaves Chicago with either 39 or 40 wins.

Toronto has two probably losses against the Hawks and Bulls and two 50-50 games against the Pistons and Knicks. Let's say they split those 50-50 games. So a likely 1-3 record but possibly a 2-2 record or an 0-4 record. A 1-3 record brings them up to 39 wins on the season.

So, if the Raptors win just one of their remaining four games ... the Bulls would have to win three of their own including against their game against the Raptors.

Frontrunner

I think the Raptors are still ever so slight favourites in this playoff race but suddenly things have gotten very close.

I predict the Raptors will lose the next game against the Hawks and the Bulls are going to tie the Raptors after they play the Nets tomorrow night. Then on the weekend they're going to beat the Raptors and take the lead. The Raptors will eat dust the rest of the way. Lotto bound.

Well, there goes another one of Chicago's difficult games with Cleveland resting LeBron James. The Bulls should be favoured to win that game now. That win will put a huge amount of pressure on the Raptors.

Well, there goes another one of Chicago's difficult games with Cleveland resting LeBron James. The Bulls should be favoured to win that game now. That win will put a huge amount of pressure on the Raptors.

Chicago are getting their miracle.

No miracle

Jamison's "intentional" elbow and Stern tells Lebron to sit.

No doubt that the NBA wants the Bulls in the playoffs. The miracle will be if the Raptors get in.